The splendor of Agra – India’s marvelous capital ruled by the Mughals – remains unscathed despite the fast rising modernization of the city. Home to the majestic Taj Mahal, Agra, India is the country’s most popular tourist itinerary. Located opposite of Jaipur and Delhi, this city is the third in point in the Golden Triangle.

Perhaps no other ancient monument has captivated the awareness of travelers and tourists as much as the enchanting Taj Mahal, which is touted by the locals as the ultimate expression of love from the Mughal Emperor to his wife. Taj Mahal effortlessly rises above all the commercialism surrounding this edifice and it still continues to have an instant impact on anyone who sees it.

Agra, India is famous around the world for its world heritage sites and monuments. Besides Taj Mahal, don’t miss the mud brick walls of Fatehpur Sikri. Much of Agra’s notable past is still in evidence in the present, the exquisite arts and crafts sold at the streets and don’t forget, the tempting aroma of Indian cuisine. The face of Agra has remarkably retained most of its splendid past and this alone captivates every tourist with unforgettable memories to bring back home.

Until now, modernity and luxury still exist next to tradition - the shopping malls, luxury hotels and plazas, the delightful choice of restaurants and venues of business, sports and pleasure. Visit famous local areas such as the Kinari Bazaar, the Munro Road and the Sanjay Palace.

Shopping in Agra, India is surely a delight, with the city being known for its fabulous soft stone inlay and marble work. Such unique art originated from the Mughals, who are great patrons of inlay work. Zari embroidery is another famous shopping treat. Other handicraft products in Agra include brassware, carpets, jewelry and leather ware. Don’t forget to try Petha, an Agra specialty that is sold from every corner of the city.

The Taj Mahal sure looks marvellous even from just its grand entry, but did you know that Shah Jahan built the best view of this mausoleum from a crescent-shaped plain across the Yamuna River? During the 17th century, when the Mughal rulers spared no expense to indulge their whims, the 25-acre land was spectacularly transformed into a moonlight garden known as Mehtab Bagh, teeming with breezy pavilions, white pathways, fountains, and pools.

Lush Garden of Mehtab Bagh

Over the centuries, floods plus locals scouring for building materials almost wiped out the existence of this medieval retreat until in 1994, when excavation started. This revealed a stunning four-quartered garden that perfectly blended with the soulful complex of Taj. [Read more…]

One of the most significant tourist spots in the city of Agra is the Swami Bagh Samadhi, the mausoleum of Huzur Swamiji Maharaj, also known as Shri Shiv Dayal Singh Seth, who was the founder of the Radha Swami Faith. The devotees regard this monument as sacred. It is located at the Swami Bagh section, along the road going from Bhagwan Talkies to Dayal Bagh, just on the outskirts of the city.

Swami Bagh Samadhi in Agra

The construction of Swami Bagh Samadhi started over a century ago in 1904 and is still on-going. It is often deemed as the next Taj Mahal due to the unique combination of carvings and marbles in stone that are said to be unique to this monument. The marble [Read more…]

Located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, the Agra Fort is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known as the walled city. Just about two and a half kilometers from the gardens of Taj Mahal, this important fortress made of red sandstone presents a formidable façade with its massive walls, towering at 70 feet in height and is divided by a 12-meter-deep moat.

Magnificent Agra Fort

While Taj Mahal relates to a certain time in history (i.e. the death of Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan’s wife), it is in Agra Fort where most of India’s significant historical [Read more…]

Because of the presence of the Taj Mahal, Agra welcomes thousands of tourists every year. With such a massive number of people coming and going all year round, the safety and health in Agra had become a prime concern. Worrying aside, however, Agra city is generally safe, and so there is not much to be concerned about in terms of health and security.

The Mankameshwar Temple in Agra is one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built by the Indian Army Kumaon Regimental Centre in 1978, the temple possesses one sanctum sanctorum where the statue of Shiva sits. The location is magnificent and experiences temperate weather almost all year round.

Originally called Keetham Lake, and then later, Sur Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, this shallow water reservoir in Agra, Uttar Pradesh was developed by the British more than 100 years ago. It is the largest lake in Uttar Pradesh and acts as an emergency reservoir for the water needs of Agra during hot summers.